Iran has begun a large-scale evacuation of civilians from cities located near three nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan — that were hit by US air strikes, Iranian state media reported on June 22, 2025, adding that the measure was prompted by the threat of new attacks and concerns for the safety of the population. The strikes by US bombers were part of an escalation of the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, and have sharply exacerbated the situation in the Middle East.

The evacuation affected tens of thousands of people living near the nuclear complexes, according to local authorities. In Qom province, where the underground Fordow facility is located, residents of nearby settlements were moved to temporary shelters. In Natanz and Isfahan, key centers of Iran's nuclear program, local authorities organized transport to evacuate citizens to safer areas. Iranian officials said the facilities were not critically damaged and that enriched uranium stockpiles were covered in advance, eliminating the risk of radiation. However, independent experts have expressed concern about the possible impact on the environment, given the nature of the attacks.

The conflict, which began in June 2025 with Israeli strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, has escalated into a series of mutual attacks. The United States joined the operation, striking nuclear facilities that Washington accuses of developing nuclear weapons. Iran denies these claims, emphasizing the peaceful nature of its program. According to Western media, the attacks involved B-2 Spirit bombers capable of carrying bunker busters and cruise missiles launched from ships in the Persian Gulf. Despite US claims of success, Iranian sources claim that Fordow, protected by a rock mass, was virtually undamaged.